SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5304
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 26, 2017
Title: An act relating to review and adoption of electrical rules.
Brief Description: Concerning the review and adoption of electrical rules.
Sponsors: Senators Braun, Wilson, Baumgartner and King.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce, Labor & Sports: 1/26/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, LABOR & SPORTS |
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
Background: The state electrical code establishes electrical wiring requirements for residential, institutional, and industrial buildings and structures. All equipment that uses, conducts, or is operated by electrical current must conform to the code. L&I, in consultation with the Electrical Board, adopts the state electrical rules. The electrical rules apply statewide. However, cities and towns are authorized to enact ordinances or rules regulating electrical installations within their boundaries that are equal to, or higher than, the standards established by the state electrical rules.
Summary of Bill: L&I is required to adopt the non-administrative portion of the state electrical rules through a process in which L&I, the Washington Cities Electrical Committee, and the Technical Advisory Committee have an equal vote in the adoption of the rules.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The electrical code is written solely by L&I and cities cannot adopt less stringent code. This process is different than other code processes which give stakeholders input into the process. Giving stakeholders a say in the process would create a more uniform codes statewide. The current process does not give cities a voice and cities want a substantive role in the process. The bill encourages collaboration.
CON: The bill does not define key terms. Cities will impose additional, and more expensive, restrictions.
OTHER: The bill does not define key terms. Cities are non-voting on the Electrical Board to avoid a conflict of interest. Cities are represented on the Technical Advisory Committee.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Tom Phillips, Washington Association of Building Officials; Kathy Barker, Washington Association of Building Officials; John Brickey, Washington Association of Building Officials; Kurt Aldworth, citizen. CON: Matthew Hepner, IBEW. OTHER: Tammy Fellin, L&I.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.